MCpl Joseph "Jos" Bilocq, CD
MCpl Joseph Pascal Adolphe Philippe (Jos) Bilocq was born in Arvida on 15 February 1931. He served as a Vehicle Technician from 28 May 1954 to 15 February 1975. On retirement, he refused a promotion to Sgt saying: “if I was not deserving of the Sgt rank when I served then I do not want it”.
After retirement, he worked as a teacher for the Tardivel School Board at the St-Martin Lycée in Saint-Raymond and later for the Donacona School board until 1995. During this period, he was first on loan from his school board to Licée Tarapoto in Peru (1981) and later to General Motors of Canada (1982-86) to teach workers on GM electronics equipment. During this period and his subsequent retirement he routinely demonstrated his dedication to the serving and retired soldiers and his loyalty to his country.
In retirement, MCpl Bilocq was an active and Life Time member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was also a Life Time member of the RCEME Association and, for a while, served as President of LAD 301 (Valcartier). In addition, he was an active member of the Association du 22e inc, the Lévis Memorial, the Red Cross and l’Amicale de St-Malo, Québec. He was extremely committed to maintaining the camaraderie and well-being of Veterans, and to creating ties between the serving and retired CF members. He spent countless hours visiting hospitalized Veterans in local hospitals, giving them comfort and moral support. In 1999, as a member of the administrative committee of the Association du 22e inc, he was responsible for coordinating association funerals. He set-up an effective and dedicated team that paid last respects to deceased veterans and CF members. In some years there were as many as 90 such funeral ceremonies.
In 1996, along with 2 other veterans, MCpl Bilocq challenged the separatist Quebec City Mayor’s banning of the Canadian flag at the Québec city hall. He helped plan and man a veteran-based contingent that conducted daily flag raisings and flyings, from 0600 to 0900 each day, until the ban was ultimately lifted 27 months later. During this period, MCpl Bilocq and his companions demonstrated commitment, personal courage, self control, and loyalty to Canada. He practiced passive resistance in front of considerable verbal abuse and was physically assaulted at least three times. Members of this group, including MCpl Bilocq, were honored in a number of ways, including being invited guests at the raising of the Canadian Flag in a special ceremony in Markham, Ontario during Flag Day in 1998.
On 30 October 2007, MCpl Bilocq was presented with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his exemplary contribution to the care and well-being of veterans. On 8 May 2010 he was awarded the Québec Lieutenant Governor’s Seniors Medal (silver) for his distinguished service to seniors.
MCpl Bilocq was fluent in French, English, German and Spanish. He passed away on 13 October 2015 and is survived by his wife Elizabeth and their two sons, Michael and Philip.
Decorations and Awards
- NATO Service Medal
- Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal
- Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal
- Canadian Forces’ Decoration with clasp
Others
- Québec’s Lieutenant Governor’s Seniors Medal (silver)
- Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation